Answer the following questions from the page above
Explain the situation in Greece from the perspective of an American
Explain the situation in Greece from the perspective of an Russian
Why did the Marshal Plan make the Russians angry?
Did the Truman Doctrine and the Marshall Plan cause the cold war?
The Truman Doctrine
At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is often not a free one. One way of life is based on the will of the majority, and it is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression. The second way of life is based on the will of the minority forcibly imposed on the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio fixed elections, and the suppression of personal freedoms.
I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures…I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid which is essential to economic stability and orderly political process…
It is necessary only to glance at a map to realize that the survival and integrity of the Greek nation are of grave importance in a much wider situation. If Greece should fall under the control of an armed minority, the effect upon its neighbor, Turkey, would be immediate and serious. Confusion and disorder might spread through the entire Middle East…
Source: Harry Truman, Public Papers, Us Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1947, p.176
Questions
How does Truman characterize Soviet communism in this document?
Could the two systems – that is, capitalism and communism as defined by President Truman – co-exist under the Truman Doctrine? Define capitalism and communism.
Was any challenge to a government tolerable?
Would it make a difference if the government under threat was tyrannical? What does tyrannical mean?
What did President Truman assume about the relationship between Greece and its neighbors?
The Marshall Plan
Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos. It’s purpose should be the rival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist. Such assistance, I am convinced, must not be on piecemeal basis as various crises develop. Any assistance that this government may develop in the future should provide a cure rather than a mere palliative.
Any government that is willing to assist in the task of recovery will find full co-operation, I am sure, on the part of the United States Government. Any government which maneuvers to block the recovery of other countries cannot expect help from us. Furthermore, governments, political parties or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery will encounter the opposition of the United States.
It is already evident that, before the United States Government can proceed much further in its efforts to alleviate the situation… there must be some agreement among the countries of Europe as to the requirements of the situation and the part those countries themselves will take in order to give proper effect to whatever action might be undertaken by this Government. It would be neither fitting nor efficacious for this Government to undertake to draw up unilaterally a program designed to place Europe on its feet economically, this is the business of the Europeans….
With foresight, and a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibility which history has clearly placed upon our country, the difficulties I have outlined can and will be overcome.
Source: Reported in the New York Times, 6 June 1947, cited in L. Sybnder, Fifty Major Documents of the Twentieth Century.
Questions
How did Marshall make it clear that he wished to avoid politics? Was he really avoiding politics?
How was Marshall’s aid to be administered and distributed throughout Europe? Why does Marshall say the USA did not wish to be the administrator? Do you think there was any hidden reason?
What were the criteria for choice and exclusion for the receipt of aid?
A criticism of the Marshall Plan was that the USA was buying support. Do you see the Marshall Plan in that way? Why?
Task: Using the resources below answer the questions provided. Be prepared to discuss in class.
Resources
Reading: Truman Doctrine/ Marshall Plan
Answer the following questions from the page aboveThe Truman Doctrine
At the present moment in world history nearly every nation must choose between alternative ways of life. The choice is often not a free one. One way of life is based on the will of the majority, and it is distinguished by free institutions, representative government, free elections, guarantees of individual liberty, freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from political oppression. The second way of life is based on the will of the minority forcibly imposed on the majority. It relies upon terror and oppression, a controlled press and radio fixed elections, and the suppression of personal freedoms.
I believe that it must be the policy of the United States to support free peoples who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or outside pressures…I believe that our help should be primarily through economic and financial aid which is essential to economic stability and orderly political process…
It is necessary only to glance at a map to realize that the survival and integrity of the Greek nation are of grave importance in a much wider situation. If Greece should fall under the control of an armed minority, the effect upon its neighbor, Turkey, would be immediate and serious. Confusion and disorder might spread through the entire Middle East…
Source: Harry Truman, Public Papers, Us Government Printing Office, Washington DC, 1947, p.176
Questions
The Marshall Plan
Our policy is directed not against any country or doctrine but against hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos. It’s purpose should be the rival of a working economy in the world so as to permit the emergence of political and social conditions in which free institutions can exist. Such assistance, I am convinced, must not be on piecemeal basis as various crises develop. Any assistance that this government may develop in the future should provide a cure rather than a mere palliative.
Any government that is willing to assist in the task of recovery will find full co-operation, I am sure, on the part of the United States Government. Any government which maneuvers to block the recovery of other countries cannot expect help from us. Furthermore, governments, political parties or groups which seek to perpetuate human misery will encounter the opposition of the United States.
It is already evident that, before the United States Government can proceed much further in its efforts to alleviate the situation… there must be some agreement among the countries of Europe as to the requirements of the situation and the part those countries themselves will take in order to give proper effect to whatever action might be undertaken by this Government. It would be neither fitting nor efficacious for this Government to undertake to draw up unilaterally a program designed to place Europe on its feet economically, this is the business of the Europeans….
With foresight, and a willingness on the part of our people to face up to the vast responsibility which history has clearly placed upon our country, the difficulties I have outlined can and will be overcome.
Source: Reported in the New York Times, 6 June 1947, cited in L. Sybnder, Fifty Major Documents of the Twentieth Century.
Questions
Extension Resources
Extension resources are optionalWatch The Presidents: Truman on PBS. See more from American Experience.